Bible Verses for Wisdom

When you face a decision

For the choices that keep you up at night.

• "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

  James 1:5

  Upbraideth not — he doesn't scold you for asking. There's no such thing as a question too small or too late to bring.

• "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

  Proverbs 3:5-6

  Not "don't think." Lean not — don't put your full weight on your own understanding. Rest it on God.

• "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

  Psalm 32:8

  A guide who keeps watching. You don't get the whole map — you get someone who stays with you on the road.

• "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."

  Proverbs 2:6

  Wisdom is a gift before it is an achievement. The first step is simply to listen.

When you want to grow wise

For wisdom as a way of living, not just a single answer.

• "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."

  Proverbs 9:10

  Wisdom starts with reverence — remembering who God is before deciding what you'll do.

• "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

  Psalm 119:105

  A lamp lights the next few steps, not the whole valley. That's usually all wisdom needs to give.

• "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits…"

  James 3:17

  A useful test for any decision: does this path lead toward peace, gentleness and mercy?

Questions people ask